VicWind: New Keppel Prince deal a “welcome relief” for Portland community

The Victorian Wind Alliance has welcomed the announcement of a $15m deal between Keppel Prince Engineering and Taralga wind farm, hailing it as a welcome relief for the Portland community.

The deal will see Keppel Prince build 51 wind towers for the Taralga project in New South Wales, giving workers at Keppel Prince’s wind tower division work until at least the start of April next year.

Victorian Wind Alliance state coordinator Andrew Bray said the announcement was not only a relief for Portland but a ringing endorsement of the competitiveness of Australian manufacturers in a difficult climate.

“A key component of the project coming to fruition was the $37.5 million loan provided by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation,” Mr Bray said.

“Given the contribution of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to jobs in Portland, a key concern is why the Coalition is proposing to dismantle it.

“We would love to see the federal member for Wannon Dan Tehan stand up for jobs in the South West and throw his support behind this crucial funding body.”

Mr Bray said while the new wind farm in Taralga is excellent news for the local economy of Goulburn, VicWind is keen to see similar projects start to proceed in Victoria.

“The 2km veto in Ted Baillieu’s anti-wind laws leaves developers with little room to improve their plans to the point where they can start to build,” Mr Bray said.

“This is something the new Victorian Premier Dr Napthine is perfectly placed to do.

“The best thing for renewable energy manufacturing jobs in Portland would be a steady stream of new wind projects coming online across Victoria and across the country.

“Portland needs strong political leadership to ensure this pipeline is delivered.”